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Hey, Artist -  Throughout the history of art, depictions of the face and figure have provided a unique glimpse of specific individuals as well as the human condition more generally. The unique challenge inherent in depicting a person’s likeness allows artists to hone skills of observation that can advance their technique across a range of subject matter. In this newsletter, you’ll find links to an assortment of content, offering inspiration and guidance for painting or drawing spirited portraits and figures. 

Including people in a scene—perhaps a beachcomber, dog-walker, or passing pedestrian—can add narrative to a work, providing an injection of life that can add a bit of magic, but it can be tricky. These pointers from watercolor artist Hazel Soan will help you populate your scenes with simple yet credible figures. 

For artist Oliver Sin, drawing the human face is an act of devotion. “It’s not laborious work,” he writes, “but it is a labor of love—a journey into the very essence of what it means to be human.” In this article, he describes how careful preparation and a mindful approach can help artists in their efforts to portray more than a likeness.  

Depicting skin tones with watercolor can be intimidating to many, and eager learners often seek an easy, go-to formula, but there is no one way to approach skin tones. Here, artist Joanna Barnum demonstrates that there are, however, several useful concepts you can keep in mind in your interpretations of flesh tones. 

Artist Dan Gheno says his process for a longer-session drawing or figure painting begins in much the same way he starts a quick 20-minute figure drawing. It may look like all the action happens between the pencil and paper, but there’s a lot of looking and thinking, too. In this demonstration, you’ll see how the artist approaches the figure—and discover the many considerations throughout. 

In these three must-see video workshops, available to Artists Network Members, you’ll discover figure painting techniques in a variety of media. Watch artist Dawn Emerson, working in pastel; Craig Nelson, working in acrylic; and Thomas W Schaller, working in watercolor; as they demonstrate their strategies for creating lively figural paintings.

If you’re not yet a Member, sign up today for access to these and hundreds of other videos—among many other Member benefits. 

28th Annual Pastel 100 Art Competition 


Early Bird Deadline:
June 10

Artists Magazine Annual Art Competition



Final Deadline: June 11

Artists Classroom @ Home with Jean Pederson: Exploring Acrylic and Mixed Media Techniques

Event date: June 27

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For the Artist, Maker and (Forever) Inspired. Artists Network is with you every step of your art journey.

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